Bill’s Story
Bill was referred to Pou Whakaaro by the Community Mental Health Team after a stay as an acute inpatient in the hospital psychiatric unit.
Bill came to us with high anxiety and depression, he also lacked confidence and had problems with motivation but wanted to return to work. Due to a historical event Bill had great mistrust of employers which was another barrier to overcome.
His CV was compiled and we helped to identify employment that he would be interested and confident in. That followed with cover letters and planned support before each interview. Considerable time was spent keeping Bill motivated and confident particularly after being knocked back with a couple of job applications as we wanted to ensure that his transition back into employment occurred in a timely fashion.
After two months Bill was successful in applying for a forklift operator’s role at a kiwifruit pack house. Bill was very excited about his success. As kiwifruit employment is not always ongoing and knowing Bill’s ultimate goal we continued looking for long term employment.
Bill was offered an interview at a saw mill as a leading hand. We supported Bill through this process, he was successful with his interview and embraced his new role.
Six months on and Bill was told by a friend about workers being needed on an oyster farm at the Coromandel. Once again Bill was supported to apply and was again successful.
In my last conversation with Bill he told me that his employer had just supported and paid for him to get his commercial skippers ticket and that he would be the skipper of a new boat that does the oyster farm maintenance starting next month. Bill is over the moon.
When we first started working with Bill his ultimate goal was to be working outside in the aquaculture industry. Bill has now achieved his ultimate goal, he is very happy and in a very good place. Bill is now living his dream, it has been great to watch his confidence grow and be part of his journey.
